WWE Hall of Famer Tony Atlas -- I Wanna Wrestle in North Korea

WWE Hall of Famer

I Wanna Wrestle in North Korea

5/20/2014 12:20 AM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

EXCLUSIVE

It's the kinda thing that blew up in Dennis Rodman's face -- but WWE Hall of Famer Tony Atlas is throwing his name in the ring for a new wrestling gig ... in North Korea.

The event -- announced Monday -- will be held August in Pyongyang, and although the lineup hasn't been revealed ... Atlas says he'd proudly lace up his boots for a match ... even though he's 70 YEARS OLD!

Tony, aka Mr. USA, sees it as his patriotic duty, telling us ..."If Mr. USA wins his match, the people of North Korea will have freedom from oppression ... and Mr. USA always fights for freedom and righteousness."

We doubt Kim Jong-un sees it that way.

Tony says he's anxious to get a call from event organizer Antonio Inoki ... who fight fans remember for his famous hybrid wrestling/boxing match with Muhammad Ali back in 1976.

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